FCC Proposes Plan to Improve Spectrum Efficiency

The Federal Communications Commission proposed rules and asked for comment on a number of issues involved in improving spectrum efficiency and encouraging greater use of the 4940-4990 MHz (4.9 GHz) band for public safety broadband communications. Improved use of the 4.9 GHz band will facilitate wireless local area networks for incident scene management, fixed point-point surveillance, and support for dispatch operations and vehicular or personal communications.

The 4.9 GHz broadband spectrum is a contiguous block of 50 megahertz of spectrum that is designated for both fixed and mobile and dedicated for public safety. Using 4.9 GHz spectrum, public safety users can set up temporary mesh networks that support data, voice, and video communications at scenes of emergencies; monitor sensitive locations remotely with point-to-point video links; and set up city-wide Wi-Fi networks to give first responders dedicated broadband access. The 4.9 GHz spectrum holds great potential to complement the national public safety broadband network for backhaul; facilitate safer operation of our nation’s critical infrastructure and utilities; and provide wireless broadband connectivity in remote or sparsely populated locations.

Specifically, in the Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission seeks comment on:

• Whether to establish formal coordination requirements in the 4.9 GHz band, whether the 700 MHz Regional Planning Committees (RPCs) could administer a database registration process, and options for a registration database to be used for coordination purposes;
• Whether expanding eligibility to critical infrastructure entities and commercial users would promote more effective and efficient use of the band;
• Whether eligibility for commercial users should be on a secondary basis subject to a shutdown feature to allow public safety priority access;
• Whether the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is or should be eligible for a 4.9 GHz band license, particularly for backhaul links in support of the 700 MHz network; technical proposals to increase spectrum efficiency, usage, and throughput in the band. Specifically, the FCC invited input on issues such as the channel plan, power and antenna gain limits, aeronautical mobile operations, and interoperability standards.